Sunday lunch delays: Managing expectations of Ugandan men
By Hatmah Naluggwa Ssekaaya
Assalam alaykum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh
Sunday is generally a family day, so it is said in the Western world. It is that one day in a week that most husbands, wives and their children stay home to enjoy each other’s company. To many of us wives, it is our kitchen day! A day we go all out to prepare that sumptuous meal for our loved ones.
Traditionally, (I don’t know who invented this), lunch “should be” served between noon and 2pm. However, on Sundays, in most homes in Uganda, lunch ends up being served as late as 4pm! Now this has for the longest time been a huge concern and complaint from many Ugandan men. And I honestly do feel their pain because man… after a long morning, waiting for a meal can heighten hunger and some sort of impatience. Also, hunger can easily affect one’s mood. On behalf of all wives
who find themselves serving lunch on Sundays late, I do apologise to you all our dear husbands. It is not intended at all but most times we get caught up with time preparing the best for you.
Now this is to you fellow wives. There is a solution to this challenge. At least this is what I do, and it is working well for me. Hopefully it works for you too!
1. Don’t let your husband stay idle waiting for you to serve him lunch. Keep him occupied while you go about with whatever it is that you are preparing in the kitchen. Make him get involved. Let him help you chop some vegetables. Make it fun though. Or remind him of that sink leakage and request if he can fix it.
2. If you anticipate that lunch will delay, let’s say you didn’t do the shopping the day before and you find that you will have to send for some items in the
market that day, then prepare a heavy breakfast for your family and serve it a bit late. Like at 11am. That way, your people will be full for longer till you serve them with late lunch.
3. Serve your husband a glass of juice or a bowl of fruit salad or a healthy snack as he waits for the food you are preparing.
But, my dear ladies, all that said, Sunday lunch in Ugandan context cannot be overstated. It represents not only a meal but also a vital opportunity for family connection.
Delays can disrupt the flow of the day, affecting afternoon plans such as visiting friends or engaging in leisure activities. By recognizing the importance of punctuality, families can enhance the Sunday lunch experience, ensuring it remains a joyful tradition for years to come. In sha Allah.
